DNR Hunting Safety Reminder

[HD]

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources urges hunters to follow safety rules when using tree stands, following five accidents this fall during the early antlerless deer season.
In one incident, CO Todd Langevin of Center City responded to an emergency call of a deer hunter who had been shot in the leg. The hunter had shot himself after climbing into a poorly constructed permanent deer stand.

“The hunter did not unload his firearm before climbing into the tree,” Langevin said. “He also did not use a haul line but rather a belt looped through the trigger guard. The hunter was transported to a local hospital where he’s being treated for his injuries.”

“Nationwide, one in three hunting accidents involves a tree stand,”
said Capt. Mike Hammer, education program coordinator. “As with most hunting accidents, tree stand accidents can be avoided by following a few simple safety rules, including the Three Point Rule.”

The Three Point Rule recommends that hunters always have three points of contact to the steps or ladder before moving. This could be two arms and one leg holding and stepping on the ladder or one arm and two legs in contact with the ladder before moving. Be cautious when rain, frost, ice or snow cause steps to become slippery, and always check the security of the step before placing your weight on it.

The DNR also encourages hunters to practice the following tree stand safety tips:

Never carry equipment with you while you are climbing.
Use haul lines to raise or lower gear - and make sure guns are unloaded and broadheads covered before moving.
Always wear a safety harness, also known as a fall arrest system, when you are in a tree stand, as well as when climbing into or out of a tree stand a safety strap should be attached to the tree to prevent you from falling more than a foot.
Always inspect the safety harness for signs of wear or damage before each use.
Check permanent tree stands every year before hunting from them, and replace any worn or weak lumber.
Inspect portable stands for loose nuts and bolts before each use.


Copied from e-mail,

Hunter

[Grute Man]

I bought a "linesman's belt" this year and what a world of difference that makes.  You climb until you're in position then clip the rope part of the belt around the tree.  The clip on the rope can be slid into position then when you lean back, it will stay in place and you can work hands free.

I also used some strap on steps which made haning my stand much easier than the screw in steps.

I think the belt was close to $40.  A small price to pay to more safely hang my stand.  It's one o the few things that Momma Grute didn't mind me spending $$ on.

[deadeye]

"He also did not use a haul line but rather a belt looped through the trigger guard."
Doesn't sound like an accident to me. 

[22lex]

I just purchased a Hunter safety system reversable vest. Kind of spendy (120 dollars), but my wife had no problem with it.

I fell out of a stand when climbing down about ten years ago. That was when I was young and dumb and hopped right back up and laughed about it. Last year when taking a stand down I put my hand on my seat and a mouse jumped on my shoulder and took a flying leap to the ground below me. Needless to say I reacted by pulling away, and half-jumped and fell down about 14 feet with a 30 pound pack on my back. I ended up with a hairline fracture in my foot, and pretty aware about safety from then on.

I haven't sat in a stand without a strap, or device that connects me to the tree since that last accident. I would recommend everyone looking into purchasing something now or in the future.

[Realtree]

I hope everyone reads this and includes these safety reminders in their hunting. For the $75-125 you spend for a full arrest system, it is money well spent when you make it home from deer camp each year. I have normally carried my shotgun up my ladder stand with me, but I will be using a drag line starting this year to ensure my safety as well as the safety of those hunting around me. It's the little things that make the big differences in getting you home safely!      

[Cody Gruchow]

if im in a perminant(sp) stand i dont use a haul line for my gun but its unloaded and slung across my back using the shoulder strap. other than that i always use the haul line and safety harness. one ocassion last year made me happy that i wear a safety harness, i was climing into my hang on stand and there was an old tree nest to it i would use as a rest and to help myself into the stand well it decided to fall when i was climbing and i went with it, i did break a finger when i slammed against the tree, but it could of been much worse if i had fallen all 20 feet. I sent the company a thank you letter lol

[Grute Man]

My haul line is nothing more than a 25' chunk of duck decoy line.  When I gun hunt, I'll sling it over my back too so that Im climbing hands free.

[Cody Gruchow]

mainly because i dont lik my gun swinging around and possibly hit the tree and knock the scope off its zero and so on

[Grute Man]

True that.